Liberal democracy is unraveling before our eyes. Between the obliteration of the British economy, the brazen criminality of our elected leaders on both sides of the aisle, or endless violence executed by multiple states (Israel and Russia, I’m looking at you)—the crises engulfing governments, markets, financial institutions, and business are not fleeting phenomena. These issues will persist and worsen until a superior systemic alternative is built. However, before such a transformation can occur, a catastrophic reckoning will mark the end of this era.
In the United States, the ongoing collapse will likely lead to an unprecedented consolidation of power between corporations and the government. It’s already happening. What emerges will be a harsh form of national socialism (corporate socialism), where media, manufacturing, banking, and energy sectors are absorbed into a loosely organized entity under the guise of national security and stabilization. A parallel to this model existed during the mobilization efforts of World War II when the economy was restructured for total war. With the looming crises in the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, China, and North Korea pushing the world to the brink, this scenario is far from improbable.
This consolidation will widen an already alarming wealth disparity, deepening our descent into a true oligarchy/kleptocracy/plutocracy. The ruling party will entrench control over lucrative contracts, jobs and resources, leaving the urban poor and marginalized rural communities in increasing desperation.
What Can Be Done?
One possible solution lies in sthe creation of resilient micro-societies: hives, enclaves, or tribes of culturally aligned individuals. These communities would function as interconnected micro-economies, trade guilds, and cooperative societies designed to ensure sustenance, survival, and purpose amid systemic failure. Like-minded economies of agglomeration.
A Blueprint For The Ideal Enclave
The ideal thriving enclave will embody core values, organizational principles, and ways of life rooted in sustainability, innovation, and community. Here’s what such a community might look like:
Values:
Inspired by the Greatest Generation but adapted for these uniquely challenging times—industry, craft, thrift, economy, honesty, charity. These values are augmented with emotional transparency, deeper social values, and a commitment to justice.
Organizational Principles:
- Self-Sustaining: Reliant on renewable resources, local economies, and self-produced essentials.
- Technologically Enabled: Leveraging technology for efficiency, communication, and innovation.
- Deeply Connected: Fostering solid interpersonal relationships and shared goals.
- Ecologically Principled: Committed to sustainable practices and harmony with nature.
Lifestyles and Practices:
- The Home as a Hub: Homes function as creative hives—laboratories, studios, libraries, and small-scale production centers.
- Agrarian Roots: Emphasizing organic farming, preservation techniques, cheese-making, craft brewing, and other autonomous practices.
- Craftsmanship and Innovation: Prioritizing handcrafted goods, finely tooled objects, and constant invention.
- Moral Clarity: A return to clear, principled ethics—black-and-white values grounded in fairness and responsibility.
- Knowledge Sharing: Cultivating autodidactic learning, open-source education, and shared expertise.
- Love of the Outdoors: Biking, hiking, and embracing nature as core to daily life.
- Alternative Transportation: Promoting bicycles, motorcycles, and sustainable travel.
- Small is Beautiful: Preferring tiny homes and repurposing and fixing over waste.
- Handicraft: Rediscovering the joy and utility of making and repairing things by hand.
Why This Matters
Construction of these enclaves offer not just survival but the opportunity to create real growth at the individual and community level. They represent a chance to build a meaningful, human-centered existence in the face of global instability. This vision is not utopian but practical and necessary—a return to essential values enhanced by modern tools and ideas.
